Pay no council tax: Become a foster parent in Calderdale and unlock financial incentives and benefits

Households across the borough receive their annual Council Tax bills this month, but Calderdale residents who foster through Calderdale Council can access a full Council Tax exemption*.

Not only will they be helping support a child or young person, fostering families are eligible for a lot of support themselves, including generous financial support and incentives.

The next information event, where you can find out more, will take place virtually on Tuesday 3rd June 2025, 6pm - 7.30pm. Register here.

“We value the fantastic work of our foster carers in making a difference to children and young people's lives. We’re committed to recognising their kindness and dedication which is why we introduced additional support for foster carers through a Council Tax exemption in April 2023,” said Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Adam Wilkinson.

Other benefits of fostering with the Council include a rise in foster carer allowances from April this year, with a weekly allowance of between £170 and £258 for each child, and a weekly skill-based payment of between £138.74 and £386.54 for each child.

There are also household gym and swim memberships and a Max Card which gives discounts on family days out. We also provide discount deals for a range of shops across Calderdale.

Could you be a foster parent?

Fostering with Calderdale Council is totally not-for-profit. The aim is to keep local children in Calderdale and to give them the best start in life.

There is a shortage of foster carers nationally, and it’s no different in our area. But here in Calderdale there are lots of extra benefits, not always available in other regions.

Training and development

Calderdale foster carers benefit from a wide range of support, training and development opportunities. You’ll receive tailored support from your own fostering social worker, as well as peer support from an experienced foster carer. There is also a number of support groups that you can join where you can meet other foster carers.

“Our foster carers come from all different walks of life. You don’t need formal qualifications, just the ability to care and a real desire to make a positive difference,” Cllr Wilkinson added.

Find out more

Interested in finding out more about fostering? Attending a fostering information evening is a great place to start. The next event will take place virtually on Tuesday 3rd June 2025, 6pm - 7.30pm. Register here.

Make 2025 the year you make a difference.

Visit Calderdale Council’s Fostering site here.

* As a foster carer for Calderdale Council you can get a full Council Tax exemption, if:

You pay your Council Tax to Calderdale Council; and offer (or be forecast to offer) a child a place for 26 weeks in the year.